Factors Influencing Immunization Coverage in the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipality – Greater Accra Region

Thumbnail Image

Date

2019-07

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Studies have shown that immunisation is among the best practices of increasing human immunity globally. However, the achievement of full coverage of immunisation in third world countries has remained a very big problem to grapple with. Aim: The research was conducted to ascertain factors influencing immunization coverage in the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipality in the Greater Accra Region. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional study using quantitative method and using a multi stage sampling technique, the investigator recruited 227 participants from communities in the municipality to participate in the research. This included mothers or caregivers of children who were aged 12 to 23 months; and who were residents of the municipality for at least one year. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data, and analysed quantitatively using STATA Version 15. The results were displayed using frequency distribution tables, and charts. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and logistic regression model were conducted to establish association between the dependent and independent variables. Results: It was revealed that whilst majority of the respondents understood the importance of immunization exercises, they non-the-less failed to comply because of the remoteness of the outreach centres, the lack of money to commute to-and-from the outreach centres, the time taken to access services, among others. Most importantly, the result shows that responsiveness of healthcare professionals accounted most for the hesitance of the respondents to immunize their children. Working mothers and rural dwellers also had a higher tendency of missing out on immunization schedules. Conclusion: In the Ledzokuku-krowor Municipality of Greater Accra Region, the immunization coverage for children aged 12-23 months is high, but did not achieve the intended goal of 95%. Immunization coverage in Ghana can be enhanced when educational campaigns are intensified, and extended to remote areas. A non-formal educational scheme can be developed at community levels to create awareness among the uneducated about the benefits of immunization and antenatal care services; as well as dangers associated with taking traditional medications during pregnancy. Finally, several outreach centres can be established across the country to resolve the problem of overcrowding during immunization exercises.

Description

MPH.

Keywords

Immunization, Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipality, Greater Accra Region, Antenatal Care Service

Citation

Endorsement

Review

Supplemented By

Referenced By